Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has questioned the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) plans to introduce tolls on major highways across the country.
In a statement shared on his X account, Sifuna revealed his plans to summon KeNHA officials to the Senate to justify their proposal of tolling roads built with taxpayer money years ago.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker further urged KeNHA to build new roads that they can toll.
“I don’t know how @KeNHAKenya justifies the proposal to start tolling roads built by taxpayer money years ago. Build new toll roads mchukue pesa but you can’t start charging us for using Thika road bwana! Wacha tumalize na Kawira niwaite pale Senate mjieleze,” Sifuna said.
KeNHA’s toll proposal
The roads authority, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, disclosed plans to introduce tolls on major highwahe roads under consideration include the Thika Superhighway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Mombasa Southern Bypass and Dongo Kundu Bypass.
According to KeNHA, motorists are expected to pay a certain amount before being allowed to use the road under the toll model and the amount paid is commensurate with the distance covered.
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The roads authority added that the policy framework is still being prepared to guide the process of tolling the six major highways across the country and other roads that will be identified.
“Once the Policy is finalized, it will guide which roads will be tolled. Some of the critical roads that will be presented for consideration include the Nairobi Southern Bypass, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, Thika Superhighway, Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road, Mombasa Southern Bypass, and Dongo Kundu Bypass, among others,” KeNHA stated.
Before adopting the road-tolling policy, KeNHA has pledged to conduct extensive public participation.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around developing a Road Tolling Policy. The Authority assures the public that this Policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard, “KeNHA stated.
“KeNHA remains committed to transparency and inclusivity throughout this process and will continue to engage with the public at every stage.”
1/3 The Kenya National Highways Authority appreciates the ongoing discussion around the development of a Road Tolling Policy.
The Authority assures the public that this Policy will be developed with extensive public participation to ensure that all voices are heard. pic.twitter.com/sRtYnQtFV6— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)eNHAKenya) August 13, 2024
